Arts outings allow members to have a voice, live life more fully | The Homepage

By Tameeka Jones-Cuff

From left: Ms. Cynthia “Nita” Strothers, McKayla Cuff and Odyssey Arnold at the Andy Warhol Museum On January 5, 2025. Photo by Tameeka Jones-Cuff

Arts Excursions Unlimited is a grassroots organization that believes exposing families and communities to the arts can enhance their quality of life through civic engagement. The organization tackles barriers like food insecurity, environmental concerns and political issues to empower members with the knowledge and skills needed to address these challenges.

I met with Cynthia “Nita” Strothers and Maleaka Searcy to gather feedback on recent excursions and discuss the impact of Arts Excursions Unlimited on their lives.

Ms. Strothers is a senior member of Arts Excursions Unlimited. She expressed her enthusiasm for the group’s recent outings.

“I enjoyed the holiday lights at Scotch Bottom [Hazelwood Green]. Never in a million years would I’ve thought I would see anything like that at Scotch Bottom.”

She also shared her story of growing up in Hazelwood and how the arts organization has helped her explore her community and beyond.

“As a child I never went anywhere,” she said. “I was the third child and the oldest girl. I watched as other siblings were allowed to engage in activities outside of our home, but I had to remain home caring for the house and taking care of the babies [siblings and relatives].

“Now, I get a chance to venture out and explore with Arts Excursions Unlimited. I enjoy everything about Arts Excursions Unlimited. There is not one thing I do not like. I got involved with Arts Excursions Unlimited because my pastor told me to go out and bring children to attend Sunday School. I went out and found Arts Excursions Unlimited. Now my pastor wants to know why I have not been to church. I told him you wanted me to find the children and I found them. I want to be where the children are. I’m staying.”

In November of 2024, The Homepage announced the Pittsburgh Regional Transit — or PRT — Bus Line Redesign, which proposes transit route changes for the year 2025-2026. To the dismay of many Hazelwood residents, the PRT proposed bus changes would have negative impacts on us and other neighboring communities. On Jan. 8, Arts Excursions Unlimited went to Oakland to attend a Pittsburghers for Public Transit meeting. Arts Excursions Unlimited members, including three-year member Ms. Searcy, attended the meeting to discuss the redesign plan and express their concerns. Ms. Searcy emphasized the importance of transparency and fairness in the distribution of funds.

“The meeting was informative, but my concern was there was no proof that [PRT] had the funds they mentioned,” she said. “Also, how do we know that the funds are going to be distributed fairly? Where is the documentation?”

Arts Excursions Unlimited’s presence at the meeting was seen as an opportunity to create change and address the concerns of the community.

Arts Excursions Unlimited invites you to attend their monthly meeting on Feb. 24 to learn more about their exciting excursions, workshops and culturally meaningful events. Arts Excursions Unlimited is located at 5125 Second Ave Pittsburgh, 15207. Contact us at artsexcursions@gmail.com or call 412-465-0804.